Fort Willard - U.S. Civil War Sites on Waymarking.com

Quick Description: Fort Willard Park, Alexandria Virginia. This small suburban park, located in the center of a traffic circle and surrounded by private homes, contains the remains of Fort Willard, part of the Arlington Line of the Civil War Defenses of Washington.

Long Description:Fort Willard was the southernmost fortification on the Virginia side of the Potomac River. Along with Forts Weed, O'Rourke, Farnsworth, and Lyon, it protected the river approaches to Washington DC and intimidated the Confederate-leaning citizens of Alexandria. The fort today is located in the densely-developed Belle Haven section of Fairfax County. It is in the center of a traffic circle and surrounded by luxurious private residences. Although the site has been set aside as public land, no effort has been made to preserve or restore the structure. The fort's southern parapet is apparently the best preserved. The other walls have eroded. The inner works are still visible, but are also eroded.

The park is open from sunrise to sunset. Only street parking is available; visitors should park away from private driveways.